Manager, External Affairs, West Region

NextGenEnergyJobs; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Clearway is seeking an External Affairs Manager to build local relationships and support government affairs work in California and other Western states. The role involves engaging with elected officials, tribal governments, unions, and advocacy groups to advance public policy priorities.

Reporting to the head of External Affairs in the West, you will work with project development and operations teams to support a large portfolio of projects, organize community events, and craft messaging for

Qualifications

• A self-starter with strong communication, listening, and problem-solving skills.
• 4+ years of work experience in government affairs or related fields.
• Bachelor’s degree in government, public policy, communications, journalism, or related field or 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong connections and understanding of state and local politics in California.
• Proven success engaging with officials, policymakers, the media, the public, and residents.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver’s license, transportation, and willingness to travel frequently across the region.

Responsibilities

• Build local relationships and support our government affairs work in California and other Western states.
• Be an ambassador for Clearway in diverse communities across California and build relationships with local government officials, tribal governments, labor unions, business organizations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in outreach and advocacy efforts in support of Clearway’s public policy priorities, including the State Legislature, Governor’s Office, and state agencies.
• Cultivate community partnerships in support of Clearway’s development projects, in collaboration with local site teams and project developers.
• Organize open houses, tours, and other events to build goodwill and share information with the community; represent Clearway at relevant local events and activities.
• Maintain strong relationships within the company, including with plant managers and technicians, construction managers, and project developers, as well as with landowners.
• Craft effective messaging and develop communications materials.
• Respond to inquiries from community members and other interested parties when needed.

Skills

Public affairs

Government relations

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in government/public policy/communications

Tools

MS Office

Job description

The pay rate for the successful candidate will depend on geographic location, skills, relevant and demonstrated experience, education, training and certifications, and other factors permitted by law.

Key Responsibilities

• At Clearway, we care deeply about our relationships with the states and communities that host our plants. We’re seeking an External Affairs Manager to build local relationships and support our government affairs work in California and other Western states. The successful candidate will have the ability to foster positive relationships with a wide range of individuals and organizations, an understanding of the cultural and political landscape of the Western U.S., and excellent organizational, communication, and writing skills. Reporting to the head of Clearway’s External Affairs function in the West, the candidate will work closely with the project development and operations teams to support a large portfolio of projects in operations and development.
• Be an ambassador for Clearway in diverse communities across California. Build and maintain strong relationships with local government officials, tribal governments, labor unions, business organizations, advocacy organizations, and other project stakeholders.
• Participate in outreach and advocacy efforts in support of Clearway’s public policy priorities, including the State Legislature, Governor’s Office, and state agencies.
• Cultivate community partnerships in support of Clearway’s development projects, in collaboration with local site teams and project developers.
• Organize open houses, tours, and other events to build goodwill and share information with the community. Represent Clearway at relevant local events and activities.
• Maintain strong relationships within the company, including with plant managers and technicians, construction managers, and project developers, as well as with key project stakeholders such as landowners.
• Craft effective messaging and develop communications materials.
• Respond to inquiries from community members and other interested parties when needed.

Requirements

• A successful candidate must be a self-starter, responsible and communicative, an active listener, and a problem-solver, with great interpersonal skills and the ability to work well as part of a team. You must have the ability to work well under pressure and manage sensitive or controversial subjects with tact, kindness, and professionalism.
• 4+ years of work experience in government affairs, state or local government, public relations, community organizing, campaigns, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in government, public policy, communications, journalism, or a related field OR an additional 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong connections and a solid understanding of state and local politics in California.
• Proven success in engaging with elected officials, policymakers, the media, the public, and residents.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Valid driver’s license, transportation, and willingness to travel frequently across the region.